First X-Prize Flight a Success for SpaceShipOne

SpaceShipOne pilot Mike Melvill stands atop his craft after making the first of two planned flights into sub-orbital space.
Jason DeFillippo for NPR
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Jason DeFillippo for NPR

SpaceShipOne pilot Mike Melvill stands atop his craft after making the first of two planned flights into sub-orbital space.

Jason DeFillippo for NPR

Are we witnessing the birth of a commercial space flight industry? Day to Day technology contributor Xeni Jardin reports on Wednesday's launch of SpaceShipOne. The craft is the top competitor in the race for the Ansari X-prize, a global competition to build the first viable commercial spaceship. The winning team is set to receive a $10-million award.